TECHNOLOGY
Why iOS 26 is a Big Deal for iPhone Users
Sun Jun 15 2025
Apple has rolled out a new software version, iOS 26, for iPhones. This news came out on June 9, and developers got their hands on it the same day. Just a few days later, Apple surprised everyone by releasing a new version of the first beta. This is unusual because typically, the second beta doesn't come out until late June or early July, and it usually takes at least two weeks after the first beta. So, what's the rush?
First off, this update is only for the latest iPhone models, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series. If you have an iPhone 14 or older, you won't see this update. To check if you have the update, go to Settings, then General, and finally Software Update. You need to be a registered developer to see it.
The new build number is 23A5260u, which replaces the old one, 23A5260n. This means it's a new version of the first beta, not the second one. Even though Apple hasn't said what's different, some people think it might be about battery life. There was an issue where some iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models showed a low battery symbol and couldn't start up after the first beta update. Others suggest it might be a bug or security issue, or even code that hints at future products, like the AirPods Pro 3.
One of the most talked-about features in iOS 26 is smart storage. In the past, if your iPhone storage was almost full, you might have had trouble updating your software. You would have to delete some content to make room for the update. With iOS 26, Apple is trying to fix this problem. The software will now reserve space ahead of time for updates, so you won't have to worry about not having enough room. We don't know exactly how this will work yet, but it's a step in the right direction. It could make updates smoother and less frustrating for users.
As more details come out, keep an eye out for updates. This is a significant change for iPhone users, and it's worth paying attention to.
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questions
Could the smart storage feature in iOS 26 be a way for Apple to collect more data on user behavior?
What are the implications of Apple's decision to limit the iOS 26 update to newer iPhone models?
How does the dynamic reservation of space for updates in iOS 26 compare to similar mechanisms in macOS?